Grass cutting: Who does what

There has been a lot of comment, especially on social media, about grass in public areas which has been left to grow.

It is understandable that many do not differentiate between councils. But parish, borough and county councils all have different responsibilities.

Some commentators have taken every opportunity to demand that Boston Borough Council "cuts the grass" with accompanying photographs showing areas where the borough council has no authority.

Lincolnshire County Council is responsible for grass cutting highway verges and, due to financial challenges, it now carries out cutting twice a year during the summer months. Consideration will be given to additional cuts where there are road safety concerns.

In some areas, this work will be taken on by a parish council, who may carry out additional cuts at their own discretion.

In Boston borough the two county council verge grass cuts were scheduled for May 15 to June 16 and from September 11 to October 13 in rural areas and from June 1 to July 13 and September 1 to October 13 in built-up areas. Boston Borough Council staff and equipment may well be seen undertaking these cuts, but this is funded by the county council.

Boston Borough Council cuts grass within parks and public open spaces within the boundary of Boston town only. It does not cut grass within a parish or on privately-owned land or on developments which have not been adopted.

People who want more information about grass cutting to highway verges within a parish, are asked to contact Lincolnshire County Council's Customer Service Centre on 01522 782070 or customer_services@lincolnshire.gov.uk